To the Editor:

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. It commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the military service, as well as those who died after retiring from service.

Three years after the Civil War on May 5, 1868, the organizational head of the Union Veterans and the Grand Army of the Republic established Decoration Day to be observed on May 30 of each year as a time for the nation to come together to visit cemeteries and memorials to place an American flag on each service member’s grave site. As we celebrate we must give thanks to our men and women who have given their lives to protect the United States and the freedom that we have enjoyed for many years.

Del. Roslyn Tyler, who represents the 75th District to the Virginia House of Representatives, wishes to thank all of our military men and women for their services to country and their daily sacrifices. She knows they face hardships when separated from their families and it is heartbreaking for all, but Del. Tyler wants you to know that she is available to help should you need her help.

During this year’s General Assembly session, Del. Tyler carried and supported bills that were passed on behalf of our veterans. She is very proud to have carried a bill that passed both Houses and signed by Governor McAuliffe honoring all disabled veterans who receive ongoing disability pension to be issued disabled veteran license plates.

She also co-signed two bills for the Veterans Care Centers that allocates and appropriates $66.7 million to the Virginia Public Building Authority bonds for the design, environmental assessments and construction of the Hampton Roads Veterans Care Center and the Northern Virginia Veterans Care Center. These bills require the DOVS to provide an action plan to House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees and to Secretaries of Veterans, Defense Affairs and Finance prior to the allocation of any bonds. Both bills appropriate to the DOVS anticipated federal grants for the projects.

Wishing all Military men and women a safe return home.

Mary Beth Washington
Legislative Assistant

Delegate Roslyn Tyler
75th District